JP2000300812A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To test effectively the turning on and off of an ordinary symbol dis play, a special symbol storage and display and an ordinary symbol storage and display. SOLUTION: A 7-segment LED constituting an ordinary symbol display is driven by the amplifier of an output circuit 573a that amplifies a signal outputted from an output port 571a. The LEDs of a start winning storage and display, and an ordinary storage and display are drived by the amplifier of an output circuit 573b that amplified a signal outputted from an output port 571b. Signals outputted to output ports 571a and 571b from the output ports 571a and 571b are outputted also to a test signal output circuit 71.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine or a coin game machine, and more particularly to a game machine including a variable display device whose display state can be changed, wherein a display result on the variable display device is predetermined. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a predetermined game value can be given when the display mode is changed to the display mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a gaming machine, a variable display device having a variable display section (special symbol display section) whose display state can be changed is provided, and the display result of the variable display section has a predetermined specific display mode. In some cases, the game mode shifts to a jackpot game state which is advantageous to the player when the game is played. The variable display device includes a plurality of variable display units, and is generally configured to display the display results of the plurality of variable display units at different times. On the variable display section, for example, a plurality of identification information such as symbols are variably displayed.

When a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the starting winning opening is satisfied, the variable display of the identification information is started on the variable display section. Then, the fact that the display result of the variable display section is a combination of predetermined specific display modes is usually referred to as "big hit". In addition, the game value is a right to make the state of the variable prize ball device provided in the game area of the gaming machine advantageous for a player who is easy to win a hit ball, or a right for the player to be in an advantageous state. Or to generate.

[0004] When a big hit occurs, for example, a big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the state shifts to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. Then, in each open period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning prizes is won, the winning prize opening is closed. The number of opening of the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and if the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning opening is closed. Further, if a predetermined condition (for example, winning in a V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied at the time when the special winning opening is closed, the big hit game is performed even if the predetermined number of times is not reached. The state ends.

[0005] Among the combinations of display modes of "outside" other than the combination of "big hit", at a stage where some of the display results of the plurality of variable display portions have not yet been derived and displayed, the display results have already been derived and displayed. The state in which the display mode of the variable display section that is displayed satisfies the display condition that is a combination of the specific display modes is called “reach”. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

[0006] Some gaming machines are provided with a variable display (usually a symbol display) different from a variable display for generating a big hit. The variable display is a 7-segment LE
D, etc., for example, variably display ordinary symbols by numbers. Then, when predetermined conditions such as a game ball passing through a gate provided on the game board are satisfied, a variable display of a normal symbol is started to be displayed on the variable display, and a stop symbol of the normal symbol becomes a predetermined symbol. Then, the predetermined electric accessory is opened for a predetermined period, and the game ball is in a state where it is easy to win.

The condition for starting variable display in the special symbol display section and the ordinary symbol display may occur continuously during a game, and the next variable display may not be started immediately. In this case, the fact that the condition for starting the variable display is satisfied is stored in the gaming machine. And
Generally, the upper limit of the number of storages is set.

In addition, since it is necessary to notify the player of how many conditions are satisfied at present, the gaming machine is usually provided with a special symbol display section and a condition for starting variable display in the ordinary symbol display. Display means for displaying the number of stored cases is provided. Hereinafter, a display means for displaying the number of storages of the variable display start condition satisfaction in the special symbol display unit is referred to as a special symbol storage display, and displays the number of storages of the variable display start condition satisfaction in the normal symbol display. Display means is usually called a symbol storage display.

7-segment LED as normal symbol display
Is used, and when LEDs are used as the special symbol storage display and the ordinary symbol storage display, respectively, the output port and L are used to reduce the amount of hardware.
The ED drive may be shared. For example, four of the seven drive lines that drive each segment of the 7-segment LED of the ordinary symbol display are shared as the drive lines of the special symbol storage display and the LEDs of the ordinary symbol storage display. (In the case of the upper limit of memory 4). Then, signals for driving the ordinary symbol display, the special symbol storage display, and the ordinary symbol storage display are output to the output port and the LED drive unit in a time sharing manner.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing such a configuration. In the configuration shown in FIG. 33, when outputting a control signal to the ordinary symbol display, a signal for turning on / off is output from the output port 571a, and an ordinary symbol display selection signal is output from the output port 571d. The normal symbol display latches the signal from the output port 571a when the normal symbol display selection signal is on, and displays a number or the like corresponding to the signal on the 7-segment LED.
When outputting a control signal to the ordinary symbol storage display, a signal for turning on / off each LED of the ordinary symbol storage display is output from the lower 4 bits of the output port 571a, and output from the output port 571d. A normal symbol storage display selection signal is output. Then, when outputting a control signal to the special symbol storage display, the output port 571 is used.
Each LED of special symbol memory display from lower 4 bits of a
A signal for turning on / off the light is output, and the output port 57
From 1d, a special symbol storage display selection signal is output.

Therefore, the game control means for controlling the progress of the game, when changing the display contents of the 7-segment LED,
Only when the number of memories in the ordinary symbol storage and the special symbol storage is changed, valid data is output from the output port 571a and a corresponding selection signal is output. FIG. 33 also shows an amplifier and a resistor for driving each LED.

By the way, at the stage of development and inspection of a gaming machine, it is necessary to confirm whether or not each component constituting the gaming machine is operating as designed. The ordinary symbol display, the special symbol memory display, and the ordinary symbol memory display are also constituent elements, and thus are subject to an operation test. The test is generally performed by a test device connected to the gaming machine. That is, a CPU that controls the progress of the game
The signal from each of the components to each component is taken out of the gaming machine, and the signal is introduced into the testing device. Then, for example, the display unit of the test apparatus displays the introduced signal in the form of a timing chart (waveform diagram) or the like, and the tester confirms whether the test apparatus is operating normally by displaying the test apparatus.

[0013]

Then, as described above, the signals for driving the ordinary symbol display, the special symbol storage display and the ordinary symbol storage display are output port and LED only when the signal changes. If the configuration is output to the drive unit, the tester can see the display of the test device,
It is not immediately possible to judge whether the ordinary symbol display, the special symbol memory display and the ordinary symbol memory display are operating normally. For example, the special symbol storage display is configured with four LEDs corresponding to the storage upper limit number 4,
If the storage number is 4, all four LEDs are turned on. In that case, the display of the test equipment, four LEDs
Is desirably a constant level display indicating that all are lit.

However, when a signal for driving the four LEDs of the special symbol storage display is shared with a signal for driving the normal symbol display and the normal symbol storage display, the signal is introduced. However, it cannot be immediately determined whether or not the four LEDs of the special symbol storage display are lit. The signal introduced into the test apparatus includes only information indicating a change point of the lighting / extinguishing of the LED, and furthermore, relates to the lighting / extinguishing of the ordinary symbol display, the special symbol memory display, and the ordinary symbol memory display. Because information is mixed,
For example, in a test device or an adapter installed between the test device and the game machine, it is necessary to create a signal indicating a constant level over the LED lighting period from the introduced signal. Further, it is necessary to perform a process of separating information on lighting / off of the ordinary symbol display, the special symbol storage display, and the ordinary symbol storage display. That is, the conventional gaming machine has a problem that it is difficult to efficiently perform a test regarding turning on / off of the ordinary symbol display, the special symbol storage display, and the ordinary symbol storage display.

Therefore, the present invention relates to an ordinary symbol display, a special symbol storage display, and an illumination / lighting of the ordinary symbol storage indicator.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of efficiently performing a test for turning off a light.

[0016]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
Including a variable display unit whose display state is changeable, starting the change of the identification information displayed on the variable display unit according to the satisfaction of the condition of the start of the change, the display result of the identification information is a predetermined specific display mode and A gaming machine which can be shifted to a specific gaming state in which a predetermined gaming value can be given to a player on condition that the gaming state has been reached, wherein the gaming control means for controlling the progress of the game, and the gaming control means A plurality of light emitting means controlled by the game machine, and a transmission line capable of outputting a light emission control signal so that the game control means can individually control each of the light emitting means. It is characterized in that it can be output as a test signal required for a predetermined test relating to gaming performance.

The gaming machine may be configured such that the test signal is branched and output from the transmission line.

The gaming machine may be provided with test signal output means capable of outputting a test signal to the outside.

The test signal output means may include a signal acquisition facilitating means for facilitating signal acquisition by an external device. Note that the signal acquisition facilitating means is, for example,
This is a through hole to which a probe from an external device can be connected.

The test signal output means may include a connector.

The gaming machine may have a configuration in which the test signal output means is mounted on a board on which the game control means is mounted.

One of the plurality of light emitting means is, for example, L
ED.

One of the plurality of light emitting means is a special symbol hold display light emitting means for displaying, for example, the storage number of the change start condition of the identification information displayed on the variable display section.

One of the plurality of light emitting means is, for example, a normal symbol holding display light emitting means for displaying the number of stored normal symbol change start conditions.

One of the plurality of light emitting means is, for example, a variable display for variably displaying a normal symbol.

A variable display for normally displaying a symbol is, for example, a 7-segment LED.

The light emission control signal is preferably a signal for statically lighting the light emitting means. Note that the static lighting is a state in which the light-on / light-off state of the light-emitting means always coincides with the signal level of the light-emission control signal.

The test signal may include a winning signal indicating a winning of the game ball to a plurality of winning areas, and each of the plurality of winning areas may be specified by the winning signal.

The gaming machine includes a variable winning ball device that is changeable between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state different from the first state and not advantageous to the player, The test signal may be configured to include variable winning ball device operation information that can specify whether the variable winning ball device is in the first state or the second state.

[0030]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the back. Here, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1
It has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing a hitting ball are provided. Behind the glass door frame 2,
The game board 6 is detachably attached. A game area 7 is provided on the front of the game board 6.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display section (special symbol display section) for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols.
A variable display device 8 including a variable display 9 (ordinary symbol display) 10 including a 9-segment LED is provided.
In addition, a pass storage display (ordinary symbol storage display) 41 including four LEDs is provided below the variable display 10. In this embodiment, the variable display unit 9 includes:
There are three symbol display areas, "left", "middle", and "right". On the side of the variable display device 8, a passing gate 11 for guiding a hit ball is provided. In this example, the pass storage display 41 increases the number of lit LEDs by one each time a ball passes through the pass gate 11 with the upper limit being four. Then, each time the variable display of the ordinary symbol on the variable display 10 is started, the number of the lit LEDs is reduced by one.

The ball that has passed through the passage gate 11 is guided to the starting winning opening 14 via the ball exit 13. In a passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball outlet 13, there is a gate switch 12 for detecting a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. The winning ball that has entered the starting winning port 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the starting port switch 17. In addition, a variable winning ball device 15 that performs opening and closing operations is provided below the starting winning port 14. The variable winning ball device 15
The solenoid 16 is opened.

An opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. In this embodiment, the opening and closing plate 20 serves as a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. The winning ball that enters one (V zone) of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 is detected by the V count switch 22. The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. Variable display device 8
In the lower part of the figure, a start winning storage display (special design storage display) 18 having four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls stored in the starting winning opening 14 is provided. In this example, the start winning prize storage indicator 18 increases the number of lit LEDs by one each time there is a starting prize, with four as an upper limit. Then, every time the variable display of the special symbol on the variable display section 9 is started, the number of the lit LEDs is reduced by one.

The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 19 and 24. Decorative lamps 25 are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7 so as to blink during the game.
There is an out port 26 for absorbing a hit ball that does not win. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided at upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. A game effect LED 28a and a game effect lamp 2
8b and 28c are provided. And in this example,
A prize ball lamp 51 that lights up when a premium ball is paid out is provided near one of the speakers 27, and a ball out lamp 52 that lights up when a supply ball runs out is provided near the other speaker 27. Further, FIG. 1 shows a pachinko gaming table 1
Also shown is a card unit 50, which is installed adjacent to and allows lending of balls by inserting a prepaid card.

The hit ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hitting ball rail, and thereafter, the game area 7
Come down. When a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 is changed continuously. Further, when a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17, the symbol in the variable display section 9 starts rotating if the symbol can be changed. If it is not possible to start changing the symbol, the start winning memory is increased by one.

The rotation of the image in the variable display section 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of images at the time of stop is a combination of big hit symbols, the game shifts to a big hit game state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. Then, when a hit ball wins in the specific winning area while the opening and closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening and closing plate 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is permitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

If the combination of images in the variable display section 9 at the time of stoppage is a combination of big hit symbols with probability fluctuation, the probability of the next big hit becomes high. That is, a high probability state, which is more advantageous for the player, is obtained. Also, when the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol on the variable display 10 hits the symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened are increased.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. On the back of the variable display device 8, as shown in FIG. 2, a prize ball tank 38 is provided above the mechanism plate 36, and when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island, a prize ball is provided from above. Premium ball tank 3
8 is supplied. The prize ball in the prize ball tank 38 reaches the ball payout device through the guide gutter 39.

On the mechanism board 36, a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display section 9 via the relay board 30, and a game control board (main board) covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer and the like. ) 31, a relay board 33 for relaying a signal between the variable display control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a prize ball board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing payout control of a prize ball is mounted. is set up. Further, the mechanism plate 36 includes
A hitting ball launching device 34 for shooting a hitting ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of a motor, and a lamp control board 35 for sending signals to the speaker 27 and the game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c are provided.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the rear. On the back of the game board 6, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the winning ball set cover 4 for guiding the winning ball winning each winning port and the winning ball device along a predetermined winning path.
0 is provided. Of the prize balls guided to the prize ball collection cover 40, those that have won through the opening and closing plate 20 are controlled so that the ball payout device 97 pays out a relatively large number of prize balls (for example, 15). The winnings through the starting winning opening 14 are controlled so that a ball payout device (not shown in FIG. 3) pays out a relatively small number of prize balls (for example, six). Then, the winnings through the other winning ports 24 and the winning ball device are controlled so that the ball payout device pays out a relatively medium number of prize balls (for example, 10). Note that FIG. 3 illustrates the relay board 33 as an example.

Signals from the winning ball detection switch 99, the starting port switch 17 and the V count switch 22 are sent to the main board 31 in order to control the winning ball payout. When the ON signal of the winning ball detection switch 99 is sent to the main board 31, a winning ball number signal is sent from the main board 31 to the winning ball board 37. The winning is detected by the winning ball detection switch 99. In this case, the main board 31 sends the winning ball board 3
7 is provided with a prize ball number signal. For example, when the winning ball detection switch 99 is turned on in response to the turning on of the starting port switch 17, "6" is output as the winning ball number signal, and the winning ball detection is performed in response to the turning on of the count switch 23 or the V count switch 22. When the switch 99 is turned on, “15” is output as the prize ball number signal. When the winning ball detection switch 99 is turned on when these switches are not turned on, "10" is output as the winning ball number signal.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the main board 31. FIG. 4 also shows the prize ball control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the emission control board 91, and the display control board 80. On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 12,
A switch circuit 58 that supplies signals from the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning ball detection switch 99 to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 that opens and closes the variable winning ball device 15, and the opening and closing plate 2.
A solenoid circuit 59 that drives the solenoid 21 that opens and closes 0 according to a command from the basic circuit 53, and turns on / off the start winning storage display 18 and the passing storage display 41, and the variable display 10 with 7-segment LEDs and decorations And a lamp / LED circuit 60 for driving the lamp 25.

According to the data supplied from the basic circuit 53, jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot, effective start information indicating the number of start winning balls used to start image display on the variable display section 9, and probability fluctuation have occurred. And an information output circuit 64 that outputs probability change information or the like indicating the fact to a host computer such as a hall management computer.

The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing a control operation according to the control program, and an I / O port unit 57. The ROM 54 and the RAM 55 may be built in the CPU 56 in some cases.

Further, an initial reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on is provided on the main board 31.
A periodic reset circuit 66 for periodically (eg, every 2 ms) giving a reset pulse to the basic circuit 53 to re-execute the game control program from the beginning, and decode an address signal given from the basic circuit 53. I
Address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting any I / O port in I / O port unit 57
Are provided. In addition, there is also switch information input to the main board 31 from the ball dispensing device 97, but these are omitted in FIG.

A hit ball launching device that hits and launches a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on a launch control board 91. Then, the driving force of the driving motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a portion of the main board 31, the prize ball control board 37, and the display control board 80 related to a test signal output. In the main board 31, signals from each sensor are input to the input port 577 and also supplied to the test signal output circuit 71. In this embodiment, the sensors are the gate switch 12, the starting port switch 17, the count switch 23, and the V count switch 22, but other various switch information and sensor output information input to the main board 31. including.

The output circuit 572 outputs a signal output from the CPU 56 via the output port 571 to the prize ball control board 37.
A driver circuit and a buffer circuit to be sent to the CPU. In the prize ball control board 37, the prize ball control CPU 371 inputs a prize ball control signal from the main board 31 via the input circuit 372. Further, a signal from each sensor is input via the input circuit 373. Here, examples of the sensor include a prize ball motor position sensor and a payout ball detection sensor. The prize ball control CPU 371 outputs the prize ball payout motor 97A via the output circuit 374 based on the prize ball control signal and the sensor information.
Drive.

The output circuit 573 drives the lamp / LED and the ordinary symbol display based on the signal output from the CPU 56 via the output port 571. lamp/
In this embodiment, the LEDs are the start winning storage display 18, the passing storage display 41, and the decoration lamp 25.

The output circuit 574 sends the display control command output from the CPU 56 via the output port 571 to the display control board 80. In the display control board 80,
The display control CPU 101 inputs a display control command via the input buffer 105, and drives the variable display unit 9 via the output circuit 109 based on the display control command. In the display control board 80, the test CPU 1
21 generates a predetermined test signal and outputs it to the outside via the test signal output circuit 110. The signal output to the outside is performed via the test signal terminals 111 and 112,
The test signal terminals 111 and 112 may be mounted on the display control board 80 or may be mounted on a relay board or the like. The test signal terminals 111 and 112 are, for example, signal pins and connectors.

The output circuit 575 drives the solenoid according to a signal output from the CPU 56 via the output port 571. In this embodiment, the solenoids are a solenoid 16 for opening the variable winning ball device 15 and a solenoid 21 for opening the opening / closing plate 20.

The test signal output circuit 71 of the main board 31 performs processing such as amplifying each input signal and outputs the test signal to the test signal terminals 72 to 75 as a test signal. Test signal terminal 72
75 to 75 are constituted by signal pins to which a probe from the test device can be connected and connectors to which a cable from the test device can be connected. The test signal terminals 72 to 75 may be mounted on the main board 31 or may be mounted on a relay board or the like to reduce the cost of the main board 31 during mass production. Note that the test signal output circuit 71 and the test signal terminals 72 to 75 constitute test signal output means.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the output circuit 573 and peripheral circuits. The 7-segment LED constituting the variable display (normal symbol display) 10 is driven by an amplifier of an output circuit 573a that amplifies a signal output from an output port 571a of the output ports 571. The LEDs of the start winning storage display 18 and the passage storage display 41 are driven by an amplifier of an output circuit 573b that amplifies each signal output from the output port 571b. FIG. 6 also shows the damper resistance.

As described above, in this embodiment, the port and the drive circuit for outputting the drive signal to the variable display 10, the port and the drive circuit for outputting the drive signal to the start winning storage display 18, Further, the port and the drive circuit for outputting the drive signal to the passage storage display 41 are not shared but are provided independently.

Further, in this embodiment, the number of reserved special ball numbers notified to the player by the starting winning storage display 18 and the number of ordinary symbol reserved balls notified to the player by the passing storage display 41. Is output from the output port 571c of the output port 571. Then, the test signal output circuit 71 outputs those signals (the first to fourth signals of the start winning prize memory and the first to fourth signals of the gate passage memory) to the test signal output terminal 73.
Output to

In this embodiment, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 outputs a signal for driving the starting winning storage display 18 and the passing storage display 41,
The first to fourth signals of the start prize memory and the first to fourth signals of the gate pass memory are output. As in the other embodiments described later, the start prize memory display 18 is provided. Alternatively, a signal for driving the passage storage display 41 may be branched and output to the test signal output circuit 71 in hardware.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the basic circuit 53 on the main board 31. As described above, this process is started, for example, every 2 ms by the reset pulse generated by the periodic reset circuit 66. When the basic circuit 53 is started, the basic circuit 53 first sets a clock monitor register incorporated in the CPU 56 to a clock monitor enable state in order to make the clock monitor control operable (step S1). Note that the clock monitor control is a control in which a reset is automatically generated inside the CPU 56 when a decrease or stop of an input clock signal is detected.

Next, the CPU 56 performs a stack setting process for setting the designated address of the stack pointer (step S2). In this example, 00FFH is set in the stack pointer. Then, a system check process is performed (step S3). In the system check process, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the RAM 55 contains an error.
Processing such as initializing 5 is performed.

Next, after the processing for setting the command data sent to the display control board 80 to a predetermined area of the RAM 55 is performed (display control data setting processing: step S
4), a process of outputting command data as display control command data is performed (display control data output process: step S5).

Next, a process of outputting the contents of the storage area for various output data to each output port is performed (data output process: step S6). Further, the lamp timer is decremented by one, and when the lamp timer times out (when it becomes 0), the lamp data pointer is updated and a new value is set in the lamp timer (lamp timer processing: step S7).

Further, output data setting processing for setting output data such as data of the address indicated by the lamp data pointer, jackpot information, start information, and probability variation information output to the hole management computer in the storage area is performed (step S8). ). Further, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by a self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error process: step S9).

Next, a process of updating each counter indicating each random number for determination, such as a random number for big hit determination used in game control, is performed (step S10). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determines whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit determination) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For left and right middle out-of-design symbol determination (3) Random 3: Design of big hit Determining a combination (for determining a big hit symbol = for determining a special symbol) (4) Random 4: determining whether or not to reach at the time of a loss (for determining reach) (5) Random 5: determining a fluctuation time at the time of reaching ( (For reach type determination) (6) Random 6: Determine whether or not to generate a hit with a normal symbol (for hit determination) (7) Random 7: Determine a hit symbol for a hit with a normal symbol (for hit symbol determination) = Normal design decision)

Incidentally, random numbers other than the above-mentioned random numbers (1) to (7) are also used to enhance the game effect. In step S10, the CPU 56 generates (1) the random number for jackpot determination, (3) the random number for jackpot symbol determination, (6) the random number for hit determination, and (7) the column for determining the hit symbol determination. The counter is incremented (1 added). That is, they are the random numbers for determination.

Next, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (step S11). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Further, a normal symbol process is performed (step S12). In normal symbol processing, 7 segments L
A corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 by the ED in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

The CPU 56 further includes a switch circuit 58
, And performs necessary processing according to the switch state (switch processing: step S1).
3). In addition, a process of transmitting audio data in the process data described later to the audio control board 70 is performed (audio processing: step S14).

The basic circuit 53 further performs processing for updating the display random numbers (step S15). That is, the counter for generating random numbers 2, 4, and 5 is counted up (added by 1).

The basic circuit 53 includes a prize ball control board 37.
Is performed (step S16). That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a winning ball control command indicating the number of winning balls is output to the winning ball control board 37. Award ball control board 3
The CPU for controlling a prize ball mounted on 7 drives the ball payout device 97 according to the received number of prize balls. After that, the basic circuit 53 repeats the display random number updating process in step S17 until the next reset pulse is given from the periodic reset circuit 66.

Next, a method of determining a symbol variably displayed on the variable display section 9 based on a winning in the starting winning opening 14 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 9 shows a process for determining that the hit ball has won the starting winning opening 14, and FIG. 10 shows a process for determining a variable display stop symbol of the variable display unit 9. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not to make a big hit.

When the hit ball wins the starting winning port 14 provided in the game board 6, the starting port sensor 17 is turned on. In the special symbol process process of step S8 of the main process, as shown in FIG.
If it is determined that the starting port sensor 17 has been turned on via Step 8 (Step S41), it is checked whether or not the starting winning storage number has reached the maximum value of 4 (Step S42).
If the start winning prize storage number has not reached 4, the starting prize storage number is increased by 1 (step S43), and the value of the random number for jackpot determination is extracted. Then, it is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the value of the number of stored winning prizes (step S4).
4). If the number of stored start winnings has reached 4, the process of increasing the number of stored start winnings is not performed. That is, in this embodiment, the number of hit balls that have won the maximum of four starting winning openings 17 can be stored.

As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 56 checks the value of the number of stored winning prizes in the special symbol process of step S8 (step S50). If the start winning prize memory number is not 0, the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the start prize storing number = 1 is read out (step S51), the value of the starting prize storing number is reduced by 1, and Shift the value of the random value storage area (step S
52). That is, the number of starting winning memories = n (n = 2, 3,
The value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to 4) is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start winning storage = n−1.

Then, the CPU 56 determines the hit / miss based on the value read in step S51, that is, the value of the extracted random number for jackpot determination (step S53). Here, the random number for jackpot symbol determination is 0 to 2
It will take a value in the range of 99. As shown in FIG. 11, when the probability is low, for example, if the value is “3”, “big hit” is determined, and if the value is any other value, “miss” is determined. At the time of the high probability, for example, if the value is any one of “3”, “7”, “79”, “103”, and “107”, it is determined to be “big hit”. Mistake ".

If it is determined that the big hit is determined, the big hit symbol determining random number (random 3) is extracted and the big hit symbol is determined according to the value (step S54). The reach type determining random number (random 5) is extracted, and the reach type is determined based on the value (step S57).

If it is determined that there is a loss, the CPU 56
Determines whether to reach (step S58).
For example, when the value of random number 4 as a random number for reach determination is any one of “105” to “1530”,
Decide not to reach. Then, when the value of the reach determination random number is any of “0” to “104”, it is determined to be reach. When determining to reach, the CPU 56 determines a reach symbol.

In this embodiment, the left and right symbols are determined according to the value of random 2-1 (step S59). Also, the middle symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-2 (step S60). That is, one of the symbols corresponding to the values 0 to 15 of the values of the random 2-1 and the random 2-2 is determined as the stop symbol. Here, when the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the fixed symbol of the middle symbol so that it does not match the big hit symbol. I do.

Further, the CPU 56 extracts a reach type determining random number (random 5) and determines a reach type based on the value (step S57).

If it is determined in step S58 not to reach, the left and right middle symbols are determined according to the values of random 2-1 to 2-3 (step S61). As will be described later, in this embodiment, in the high probability state, a variation pattern in which the variation time is shortened is used as the variation pattern at the time of a loss. Therefore, in the high probability state, CP
U56 determines whether to use the normal variation pattern at the time of out-of-position or to use the shortened variation pattern, for example, using a predetermined random number or the like.

As described above, it is determined whether the display mode of the symbol variation based on the winning start is a jackpot, a reach mode, or a loss mode, and the combination of the respective stop symbols is determined.

Further, in the high probability state, the probability of the next big hit increases, the time until the variable display of the variable display 10 is determined by the 7-segment LED is shortened, and the variable display of the variable display 10 is changed. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured to increase the number of times and the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 at the time of hitting based on the result, or the probability of hitting based on the variable display result of the variable display 10 is high. It may be constituted so that it may become.
Further, the present invention is also applicable to the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which only one or a plurality of these states occur.

For example, when the combination of symbols stopped on the variable display section 9 becomes a specific symbol, the probability of a big hit does not increase, but the variable winning ball device 15 at the time of hit based on the variable display result of the variable display 10 does not increase. Even in a gaming machine in which the number of times of opening and the opening time are increased, if it is determined that the reach is to be made, it is determined whether or not the left and right stopped symbols match the display mode of the specific symbol, that is, which symbol is used to generate the reach state. The present invention is also applicable to gaming machines determined by means such as a predetermined random number. Further, the range of the random numbers and the random number values used in this embodiment is an example, and any random numbers may be used, and the range setting is arbitrary.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 12 is a specific process of step S11 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process processing, the CPU 56 determines in step S3 shown in FIG.
One of the processes from 00 to S309 is performed. In each process, the following processes are performed.

Special symbol change waiting process (step S30)
0): The start winning port 14 (in this embodiment, the winning port of the variable winning ball device 15) is hit and the start port sensor 17 is turned on. When the starting port sensor 17 is turned on, the starting winning memory number is increased by + if the starting winning memory number is not full.
1 and a big hit determination random number is extracted. That is, the processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed. Special symbol determination processing (step S301): When a state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of start winning prizes is confirmed. If the starting prize storage number is not 0, it is determined whether to make a jackpot or a losing according to the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number. That is, the first half of the process shown in FIG. 10 is executed. Stop symbol setting process (step S302): A stop symbol for the left and right middle symbols is determined. That is, the middle half of the processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

Reach operation setting processing (step S30)
3): Whether or not to perform the reach operation is determined according to the value of the reach determination random number, and the fluctuation period at the time of reach is determined according to the value of the reach type determination random number. That is, FIG.
Is executed in the latter half of the process shown in FIG.

All symbols change start processing (step S30)
4): In the variable display section 9, control is performed so that all symbols start to change. At this time, with respect to the display control board 80,
The left and right middle final stop symbols and information instructing the variation mode are transmitted. When a background or a character is also displayed on the variable display unit 9, control is performed so that a display control command corresponding to the background or character is transmitted to the display control board 80.

All symbols stop waiting processing (step S30)
5): Control is performed so that all symbols displayed on the variable display section 9 are stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, control is performed so that the left and right symbols are stopped at a predetermined timing until the timing of stopping all symbols. Further, control is appropriately performed such that a display control command corresponding to the background or character displayed on the variable display unit 9 is transmitted to the display control board 80.

Big hit display processing (step S306):
If the stop symbol is a combination of jackpot symbols,
The internal state (process flag) is updated so as to proceed to step S307. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309. The combination of the big hit symbols is a combination in which the right and left middle symbols are aligned. Also, when the left and right symbols are aligned, it reaches reach.

Opening process of opening the special winning opening (step S30)
7): Control for opening the special winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening.

Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S30)
8): Control for transmitting display control command data of the special winning opening round display to the display control board 80, processing for confirming establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307 unless the end condition of the big hit gaming state is satisfied. If the jackpot gaming state end condition is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309.

Big hit end processing (step S309):
A display for notifying the player that the jackpot gaming state has ended is performed. When the display is completed, the internal flags and the like are returned to the initial state, and the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

In accordance with the processing of each step described above, the module (step S5 in FIG. 7) which performs processing for transmitting the display control command in the game control program outputs the corresponding display control command to the output port,
Output the strobe signal to the output port.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the ordinary symbol processing (step S12). In the normal process symbol processing, the CPU 56 executes any one of the processing of steps S62 to S65 according to the value of the normal symbol process flag after performing the gate switch processing of step S61.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the gate switch process, it is detected that the gate switch 12 is turned on based on the passing of the ball through the passing gate 11 which is a condition for starting the symbol change (step S611). If the gate switch 12 is on, it is checked whether the gate passage storage counter has reached the maximum value ("4" in this example) (step S6).
12). If not, the value of the gate passage storage counter is incremented by 1 (step S613). It should be noted that the LED of the passage memory display 41 depends on the value of the gate passage memory counter.
Lights up. Then, the CPU 56 extracts the value of the random number for hit determination (random 6) and stores the value (S6).
14).

In the ordinary symbol change waiting process of step S62, the CPU 56 determines that the value of the ordinary symbol passing storage counter is 0.
Otherwise, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated. If the value of the normal symbol passing storage counter is 0, nothing is performed.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the hit determination random number (random 6) and the hit / miss in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, when the probability is high, the hit value is one of 3 to 12, and when the probability is low, 3
5 or 7. If the value of the random number for hit determination matches the hit value, the hit is determined.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the ordinary symbol determination processing in step S63. In the ordinary symbol determination process, the CPU 56 reads out the value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of stored gate passages = 1 (step SS632), decreases the value of the gate passage storage counter by one, and executes each random number. The value of the numerical value storage area is shifted (step S633). That is, the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the gate passage storage counter = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the gate passage storage counter = n.
It is stored in the random value storage area corresponding to n-1.

Then, the CPU 56 determines in step S632
Is determined based on the value read out in step (i), that is, the value of the extracted random number for collision determination (step S634). That is, the hitting / losing is determined based on the relationship shown in FIG. When it is determined that the winning is determined, the winning symbol is determined according to the value of the random number for randomizing the symbol (random 7) (step S635). Then, a normal symbol process timer is started (step S63).
6). Also, the normal symbol process flag is updated (step S637).

For example, at the time of a high probability, a value equivalent to 5.1 seconds is set in the ordinary symbol process timer. At the time of low probability, a value equivalent to 29.2 seconds is set in the normal symbol process timer. Then, the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is updated. Note that the ordinary symbol fluctuates for a time set in the ordinary symbol process timer. Therefore, in the variable display 10, the symbol usually fluctuates for 5.1 seconds at high probability, and fluctuates for 29.2 seconds at low probability. In the ordinary symbol variation process of step S64, the CPU 56 updates the ordinary symbol display counter each time the ordinary symbol variation timer times out (for example, 100 ms). Then, the value of the ordinary symbol display counter after the update is displayed on the variable display 10. Therefore, in this example, the symbol usually fluctuates every 100 ms.

In the ordinary symbol variation process, when the ordinary symbol process timer times out, the CPU 56 controls the variable display 10 to stop displaying the symbol determined according to the value of the ordinary symbol determining random number (random 7). I do.

In the ordinary symbol stop processing of step S65,
When the hit is determined, the CPU 56 sets the opening pattern of the variable winning ball device 15 in the ordinary electric accessory buffer. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the normal symbol change waiting state.

For example, when the open pattern is low probability,
This is a pattern in which the variable winning ball device 15 is opened only once for 0.2 seconds. In the case of a high probability, the pattern is such that the variable winning ball device 15 opens for 1.15 seconds and then opens again for 1.15 seconds after a closing period of 4.4 seconds. The variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to open and close according to an opening pattern. In this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 15 is also used as the starting winning port 14.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test signal arrangement of the first test signal terminal 72. As shown in FIG. Each test signal output to the test signal terminal 72 is a signal obtained by branching the signals of various sensors input to the input port 577 shown in FIG. In each of the test signals shown in FIG. 17, the firing ball signals 1 and 2 correspond to the entrance of the foul ball stop valve installed near the ball outlet to the game area in front of the game board shown in FIG. It is an output signal of a sensor (not shown in FIG. 1) provided at the outlet. Each normal winning opening winning signal is an output signal of a switch (not shown in FIG. 1) for detecting a game ball which has won each winning opening 24.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test signal arrangement of the second test signal terminal 73. Each test signal output to the test signal terminal 73 is a signal created by the CPU 56 of the main board 31 and output to the test signal output circuit 71.
That is, the signal is appropriately created when the CPU 56 is executing the game control program. Each test signal output to the test signal terminal 73 is a signal indicating a game state related to a special symbol and a normal symbol. In FIG. 18, the description in parentheses in the content column is not used in the gaming machine of this embodiment, but is defined in advance so that the same testing device can be used for other gaming machines. This is a test signal.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test signal arrangement of the third test signal terminal 74. Each test signal output to the test signal terminal 74 is a signal created by the CPU 56 of the main board 31 and output to the test signal output circuit 71.
That is, the signal is appropriately created when the CPU 56 is executing the game control program. In addition, each test signal output to the test signal terminal 74 is a signal indicating a state of fluctuation of a normal symbol.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test signal arrangement of the fourth test signal terminal 75. Each test signal output to the test signal terminal 75 is a signal generated by the CPU 56 of the main board 31 and output to the test signal output circuit 71.
That is, the signal is appropriately created when the CPU 56 is executing the game control program. In addition, each test signal output to the test signal terminal 74 is a signal indicating a display symbol during the change of the ordinary symbol.

Next, referring to the flow charts of FIGS. 21 and 22, a starting winning storage display (storage display for special symbols) 18, a passing storage display (storage display for ordinary symbols).
The display control of the display 41 and the variable display (ordinary symbol display) 10 and the control of the test signal output related thereto will be described. The LED processing shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is realized, for example, as a part of the data output processing (step S6) in the main processing shown in FIG.

In the LED processing, the CPU of the main board 31
56 checks whether or not the value of the gate passage storage counter has changed (step S71). If there is a change, and if the number increases (step 72), the increased number L of the four LEDs constituting the passage storage display 41 will be described.
A signal for lighting the ED is output. Further, a signal indicating that the increased number of LEDs are turned on is output to the test signal output circuit 71 (step 73). Specifically, the signal pins “21” to
The signal output to the corresponding pin of “24” is turned on (see FIG. 18). It should be noted that the value of the gate passage storage counter is increased or decreased in the ordinary symbol processing described above.

When the value of the gate passage storage counter decreases (step S74), a signal for turning off the reduced number of LEDs among the four LEDs constituting the passage storage display 41 is output. Also, the test signal output circuit 7
In response to 1, a signal indicating that the reduced number of LEDs has been turned off is output (step 75).

Then, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the normal symbol is changing (step S76). If not fluctuating,
It is checked whether the fluctuation has started (step S77).
Whether or not the normal symbol is changing can be confirmed by checking whether or not a normal symbol changing flag described later is set. Also, whether or not the fluctuation has been started can be confirmed by confirming the state of the flag when the flag for that effect is set in the ordinary symbol processing. Alternatively, it can be confirmed by confirming the state of the normal symbol process flag.

When it is confirmed that the fluctuation of the normal symbol has started, the flag during the normal symbol fluctuation is turned on, and the signal during the symbol fluctuation and the first digit symbol fluctuation signal which are the test signals are turned on. (Step S78). The signal during symbol fluctuation and the signal during symbol fluctuation of the first digit are output from the signal pins “1” and “17” of the test signal terminal 74 via the test signal output circuit 71 (see FIG. 19).

When the normal symbol is changing, if there is a request to change the display symbol (step S79), a signal for displaying the changed ordinary symbol is output to the variable display 10. In this embodiment, since the variable display 10 is constituted by seven-segment LEDs, a signal for displaying a symbol is usually constituted by seven signals. At the same time as outputting a signal for displaying the changed ordinary symbol to the variable display 10, a signal for displaying the changed ordinary symbol is output via the test signal output circuit 71 to the test signal terminal 75. Output from the signal pins "1" to "7" (FIG. 20)
reference). Note that the display symbol change request is, specifically, that the value of the ordinary symbol display counter corresponding to the ordinary symbol has been updated in the ordinary symbol process processing.

When the change of the ordinary symbol is completed (step S81), the CPU 56 turns off the symbol-in-variation signal and the first-digit symbol-variation signal (steps S82 and S83) and sets the ordinary symbol-in-variation flag. It turns off (step S84). Further, the symbol determination signal is turned on (step S85). The symbol determination signal is output to the signal pin “5” of the test signal terminal 74 via the test signal output circuit 71 (see FIG. 19). And 50
When the ms timer is started and timed out (step S86), the symbol determination signal is turned off (step S8).
7).

Further, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the start winning memory has changed (step S88). If there is a change and it increases (step 89),
A signal for turning on an increased number of LEDs among the four LEDs constituting the start winning storage display 18 is output. Further, a signal indicating that the increased number of LEDs are turned on is output to the test signal output circuit 71 (step 90). Specifically, a signal output to a corresponding one of the signal pins “17” to “20” in the test signal terminal 73 is turned on (see FIG. 18). It should be noted that the value of the start winning prize memory is increased or decreased by the special symbol process processing already described.

When the value of the start winning prize memory decreases (step S91), the starting prize storing display 18 is constituted.
A signal for turning off the reduced number of LEDs among the plurality of LEDs is output. Further, a signal indicating that the reduced number of LEDs are turned off is output to the test signal output circuit 71 (step 92).

By the above-described processing, a test signal indicating the display state of the starting winning storage display 18, the passing storage display 41 and the variable display 10 is output to the test signal terminals 73 and 75. Here, an output port and a drive circuit for outputting signals to the starting winning storage display 18, the passing storage display 41, and the variable display 10 are provided independently. Therefore, the game control means, that is, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 can maintain those signals in the light-on state until the light is turned off and in the light-off state until the light is turned on. That is, each display state is always determined to be the on state or the off state.

As a result, when the signals to the start winning storage display 18, the passing storage display 41, and the variable display 10 change, only the on / off of each test signal is changed at the same time, and the level of the test signal is changed. Are maintained in a light-on state until they are turned off and in a light-off state until they are turned on. Therefore, even if the test signal is displayed as it is on the display unit of the test device connected to the test signal terminals 73 and 75, the tester can immediately start the prize storage display device 1.
8. The display states of the passage storage display 41 and the variable display 10 can be recognized. In the conventional configuration, the signal lines for the start prize storage display 18, the pass storage display 41, and the variable display 10 are shared. Processing for extracting only signals for the storage display 41 and the variable display 10 or the like was required.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the relationship between the special symbol jackpot signal, the special electric accessory operating signal, the special electric accessory opening signal, and the accessory continuous operating device operating signal output to the test signal terminal 73 shown in FIG. FIG. Each signal is created by the CPU 56 of the main board 31 during game control. The signal during symbol change shown in FIG. 23 is a signal relating to a special symbol, and is output from the display control board 80 as described later.

In the above embodiment, the test signal terminal 73
1st signal to 4th signal (corresponding to the display of the start winning prize memory display 18) output to the special symbol hold 1
The first to fourth signals (corresponding to the display on the passage memory display 41) and the first digit symbol data bit0 to bit7 (corresponding to the display on the variable display 10) output to the test signal terminal 75 are mainly Created by the CPU 56 of the substrate 31.
However, the signal output to each LED may be branched and output to the test signal terminals 73 and 75.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing such another embodiment. As shown in FIG.
A signal output to each LED from 73 and 574 is branched and supplied to the test signal output circuit 71.

FIG. 25 shows an output circuit 57 of this embodiment.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a peripheral circuit and peripheral circuits; FIG.
7-segment LED constituting variable display (ordinary symbol display) 10 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.
Are driven by an amplifier of an output circuit 573a that amplifies a signal output from an output port 571a of the output ports 571. The LEDs of the start winning storage display 18 and the passing storage display 41 are connected to the output port 571.
b is driven by the amplifier of the output circuit 573b that amplifies each signal output from b.

In this embodiment, the signals output from the output ports 571a and 571b to the output circuits 573a and 573b are also output to the test signal output circuit 71.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are explanatory diagrams showing test signals output from test signal output terminals 73 and 75 in this embodiment.

The signal pin “1” at the test signal terminal 73
Signals reaching the respective LEDs constituting the start winning prize memory display 18 are branched and output to the signal pins "2" to "20".
A signal reaching each LED constituting the passage storage display 41 is branched and output to “1” to “24”. In addition, each signal reaching the variable display 10 is branched and output to the signal pins “1” to “7” of the test signal terminal 75.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the main substrate 31
The CPU 56 of the special symbol reservation first signal to the fourth signal (the start winning storage display 1)
8), the first symbol signal to the fourth symbol symbol (corresponding to the display of the passing memory display 41), and the first digit symbol data bit0 to b output to the test signal terminal 75.
It is not necessary to create it7 (corresponding to the display on the variable display 10). It should be noted that, even in such an embodiment, a test signal similar to that in the above-described embodiment is input from the viewpoint of the test apparatus connected to the test signal terminal.

As in the present embodiment, the signals for the start prize storage display 18, the pass storage display 41 and the variable display 10 can be used as they are as the test signals. This is because an output port and a drive circuit for outputting signals to the storage display 41 and the variable display 10 are provided independently. Output ports and LEDs for handling signals for driving the start winning storage display 18, the passing storage display 41, and the variable display 10.
When a configuration is adopted in which the drive unit is shared, when the signal output to each LED is used as a test signal, the tester can see the display of the test device and also see the display of the test winning display 18 , It cannot be immediately determined whether or not the passage storage display 41 and the variable display 10 are operating normally.

For example, in the conventional configuration, when the signal reaching each LED is branched and output to the test apparatus, the signal is a signal having information only on the lighting state change point.
In the test apparatus, it is necessary to create a signal that maintains the light-on state or the light-off state from the introduced signal.
In addition, since it includes each information related to turning on / off of the start winning storage display 18, the passing storage display 41, and the variable display 10, for example, in the test apparatus, the starting winning storage display 18 is obtained from a signal introduced. , Passage memory display 41
In addition, it is necessary to perform a process of separating information on turning on / off of the variable display 10.

The above description relates to a test signal from the main board 31. However, the display control board 80 can also be configured to output a test signal. FIGS. 28 and 29 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a test signal from the display control board 80. FIG. FIG. 28 shows a signal output from the test signal terminal 111 (control signal terminal) shown in FIG.
(Data signal terminal).

In this example, the signals output from the control signal terminal include a symbol change signal, a symbol determination signal,
There is a fluctuating signal at the digit, the second digit, and the third digit. CPU 12
1 generates those signals based on the display control command received from the main board 31. In this example,
The first digit, the second digit, and the third digit correspond to a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol, respectively.

The signals output from the data signal terminal include a symbol data signal of the first, second, and third digits,
There are first, second, and third digit symbol color data signals.
In this example, each symbol data signal has a 6-bit configuration,
The symbol color data signal has a 2-bit configuration. For example, the first digit symbol data bit0 to bit5 = (0, 0, 0,
(0,0,0) corresponds to the left symbol of symbol number "1", and 1
Digit symbol data bit0 to bit5 = (0,0,1,1)
0, 1, 1) corresponds to the left symbol of symbol number "12".

Also, the color of the left and right middle symbols may change depending on the situation. The situation is, for example, a case where the reach is established. When a command indicating the color of the symbol is received from the main board 31, the test CPU 121
It generates and outputs a symbol color data signal of the digit, the second digit, and the third digit.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show a test CPU 1.
21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment 21. CPU121
Turns on the symbol change signal output from the test signal terminal 111 upon receiving, for example, a display control command indicating the start of all symbol changes from the main board 31 (step S801,
S802). When the display symbols are three rows and the left and right middle symbols start to fluctuate simultaneously, the first digit symbol fluctuating signal, 2
The digit-design changing signal and the 3rd-design changing signal are also turned on (steps S803, S804, S805).

The changing flag of the middle left and right symbols is turned on (steps S806, S807, S808). Further, in order to create each symbol data shown in FIG. 29, the fluctuation speed of the left and right middle symbols is stored (step S809). The fluctuation speed stored here is generally “slow”.

Here, it is assumed that the CPU 56 of the main board 31, that is, the game control means, sends a display control command indicating the speed after the change at the speed change point of the symbol change. Then, the display control CPU 101 controls the fluctuation speed of the display symbol based on the received display control command indicating the fluctuation speed. Therefore, similarly to the display control CPU 101, the test CPU 121 needs to recognize the change speed of the display symbol based on the display control command indicating the change speed, and to recognize the display symbol in the left and right. The display control command shown is saved. As will be described later, when there is a change in the displayed symbol, the value of the symbol data shown in FIG. 29 is changed.

In this example, the display control CPU 101
Controls the display symbol, but if the game control means controls the display symbol and is configured to send a command to that effect when the display symbol changes instead of when the fluctuating speed changes, the test When receiving the command related to the display symbol, the CPU 121 can immediately create the symbol data based on the command.

If the changing flag of the left symbol is on (step S811), the test CPU 121 checks whether or not it is time to change the left display symbol (step S812). The value of the first digit symbol data (symbol data bit0 to bit5 of the special symbol left symbol) output from the signal terminal 112 is changed (step S813). The determination as to whether or not the display symbol change timing has come is made based on, for example, the stored fluctuation speed and elapsed time.

The program for judging whether or not the timing for changing the display symbol has been reached is provided by the display control CPU 10.
1 has the same configuration as the program to be executed. The display control CPU 1 actually controls the display symbols of the variable display unit 9.
However, the test CPU 121 also executes the determination program having the same configuration to ensure the identity of the symbol displayed on the variable display unit 9 and the symbol indicated by the symbol data.

Further, the CPU 121 receives the display control command relating to the speed of change of the left symbol (Step S).
814), and save the fluctuation speed designated by the command (step S815). When a display control command including information indicating that the color of the left symbol is to be changed is received (step S816), the value of the first digit symbol color data (color data bit0 to bit1 of the special symbol left symbol) is changed (step S816). S817). Then, when the left symbol replacement command is received (step S818), the value of the first digit symbol data corresponding to the symbol indicated by the command is changed (step S819).

Next, if the changing flag of the right symbol is on (step S821), the CPU 121 checks whether or not the right display symbol change timing has come (step S822). Eye design data (Symbol data bit0-bit of the special design right design)
The value of 5) is changed (step S823).

Further, the CPU 121 receives the display control command relating to the right symbol changing speed (step S).
824), and stores the fluctuation speed specified by the command (step S825). When a display control command including information indicating that the color of the right symbol is to be changed is received (step S826), the value of the third digit symbol color data (color data bit0 to bit1 of the special symbol right symbol) is changed (step S826). S827). When the right symbol replacement command is received (step S828), the value of the third digit symbol data corresponding to the symbol indicated by the command is changed (step S829).

Next, if the changing flag of the middle symbol is ON (step S831), the CPU 121 checks whether or not it is time to change the middle display symbol (step S832). The value of the data (symbol data bit0 to bit5 of the symbol in the special symbol) is changed (step S833).

Further, when the CPU 121 receives a display control command relating to the fluctuation speed of the middle symbol (step S)
834), and stores the fluctuation speed designated by the command (step S835). When a display control command including information indicating that the color of the middle symbol is changed is received (step S836), the value of the second digit symbol color data (color data bit0 to bit1 of the special symbol middle symbol) is changed (step S836). S837).

When the display control command indicating the fluctuation of the left symbol is received (step S841), the first digit symbol change signal is turned off (step S84).
2), the changing flag of the left symbol is turned off (step S8)
43). When the display control command indicating the fluctuation of the right symbol is received (step S844), the third digit symbol changing signal is turned off (step S845), and the right symbol changing flag is turned off (step S846).

In this embodiment, the stop state is defined as including the swing operation state and the final state. That is, when the symbol displayed in that state is not changed to the next symbol, it is defined as a stopped state.

When the display control command indicating the stop of the middle symbol is received (step S851), the second digit symbol changing signal and the symbol changing signal are turned off (steps S852 and S853), and the middle symbol is changed. The flag is turned off (step S854). Further, the symbol determination signal output from the connector 123 is turned on (step S85).
5). Then, when the 50 ms timer is started and time-out occurs (step S856), the symbol determination signal is turned off. In this embodiment, when the display control command indicating the stop of the middle symbol is received, the above processing is performed.
If a display control command indicating "all symbols are determined" is prepared, the above processing is performed when the command is received.

As described above, in this embodiment, the display control CPU 10 for actually controlling the display of the variable display section 9 is described.
In addition to the above, a test CPU 121 is mounted on the display control board 80, and the test CPU 121 creates and outputs an inspection signal based on the display control command. Therefore, if an inspection device is connected to the test signal terminals 111 and 1123, the inspection device can immediately recognize that the symbol fluctuation period, the displayed symbol, and the symbol have been determined. That is, a signal necessary for the inspection of the variable display is output from the display control board 80, so that the inspection efficiency is improved.

Further, when the display control CPU 101 and the test CPU 121 are separate CPUs as in this embodiment, compared with the case where one CPU is used.
The program executed by each CPU is not complicated, and the development efficiency of display control is improved.

Further, only the display information (excluding the background and the character) related to the occurrence of the jackpot, which is particularly required in the test device, is selected and output. Therefore, only the information necessary in the test device is selected. Such processing is not required, and from that point, the test efficiency is improved.

Further, since the output of the test signal is started at the timing of the start of the variable display, the inspection apparatus can immediately recognize whether or not the appropriate display based on the winning start has been started. Then, at the stage when all the symbols are determined, a signal (symbol determination signal) indicating that is output, so that the symbol change based on the start winning detection is started using the display of the inspection device, and the symbol is determined as the big hit symbol. It is also possible to immediately recognize the start time of the confirmation of whether or not the processing during the big hit game (such as opening of the special winning opening) is properly performed.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing various implementation examples of the test signal terminals 72 to 75. However, in the example shown in FIG. 32, the test signal terminals 72 to 75 exist on the main board 31. The example shown in FIG. 32A is an example in which a land 303 having a through hole is provided on a pattern 302 reaching a connector 301 to which a signal cable to an LED is connected. A probe from the test apparatus is connected to a land 303 having a through hole.

In the example shown in FIG. 32B, the pattern 3 reaching the connector 301 to which the signal cable to the LED is connected is shown.
This is an example in which a land 303 having a through hole is provided on the branch pattern by branching the line 02. A probe from the test apparatus is connected to a land 303 having a through hole.

In the example shown in FIG. 32C, the pattern 3 reaching the connector 301 to which the signal cable to the LED is connected is shown.
This is an example in which a connector 305 to which a cable from the test apparatus is connected is provided at a branch destination after branching from the branch 02. Note that a signal pin may be mounted instead of the connector 305.

The examples shown in FIGS. 32A to 32C are examples in which the test signal terminals 72 to 75 are provided on the main board 31, but not the main board 31 but the relay board and the terminals. It may be provided on a board. And those relay boards and terminal boards are
It may be configured to be removable during mass production. Furthermore, a test signal output circuit 7 mainly composed of a driver circuit
1 may be provided not on the main board 31 but on the relay board. Although the examples shown in FIGS. 32A to 32C relate to the test signal terminals 72 to 75, the test signal terminals 111 and 112 on the display control board 80 can be similarly configured. .

[0152]

As described above, according to the present invention, the gaming machine can be individually controlled by the game control means for each of the plurality of light emitting means controlled according to the game state by the game control means. A transmission line capable of outputting a light emission control signal is provided, and a signal corresponding to the light emission control signal is configured to be output as a test signal required for a predetermined test relating to the gaming performance of the gaming machine. Lighting of light emitting means such as a special symbol storage display and a normal symbol storage display /
There is an effect that a test for turning off the light can be performed efficiently.

When the test signal is configured to be branched and output from the transmission line, the test can be easily performed outside the game machine without performing processing such as creating the test signal with software of the game machine. Signal can be obtained.

When the gaming machine is provided with a test signal output means capable of outputting a test signal to the outside, it is possible to provide an environment in which a test signal can be easily obtained outside the gaming machine.

When the test signal output means includes signal acquisition facilitating means for facilitating signal acquisition by an external device, an external device such as a test apparatus can easily acquire a test signal. it can.

When the test signal output means includes a connector, a test signal can be immediately obtained by an external device such as a test apparatus just by connecting a cable.

When the test signal output means is mounted on a board on which the game control means is mounted, a control signal from the game control means to the light emitting means can be used as a test signal as it is.

When the light emitting means is an LED, a control signal from the game control means to the LED can be used as it is as a test signal.

When the light emitting means is a special symbol hold display light emitting means, a control signal from the game control means to the special symbol hold display light emitting means can be used as it is as a test signal.

When the light-emitting means is a normal symbol hold display light-emitting means, the control signal from the game control means to the normal symbol hold display light-emitting means can be directly used as a test signal.

When the light emitting means is a variable display for variably displaying a normal symbol, a control signal from the game control means to the variable display can be used as it is as a test signal.

When the variable display for variably displaying symbols is a 7-segment LED, the control signal from the game control means to the 7-segment LED can be used as it is as a test signal.

If the light emission control signal is a signal for statically lighting the light emitting means, the lighting state of the light emitting means can be immediately recognized in the test apparatus even when the light emission control signal is shared with the test signal.

In the case where the test signal includes a winning signal indicating that a game ball has won a plurality of winning areas, and each of the plurality of winning areas can be specified by the winning signal, the test signal is used. The signal allows the test apparatus to easily grasp the number of winning balls for each winning area. Further, it is possible to easily test whether or not the light emitting means is properly lit according to the winning in the winning area.

When the variable prize ball device is configured to include variable prize ball device operation information capable of specifying whether the variable prize ball device is in the first state or the second state which is advantageous for the player. Thus, it is possible to easily test whether or not the relationship between the operating state of the variable winning ball apparatus and the light emitting state of the light emitting means is appropriate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration on a main board.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a portion related to a test signal output of a main board and a display control board.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an output circuit and a peripheral circuit of a main board.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing main processing of the basic circuit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of determining that a hit ball has won a start winning opening.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a stop symbol for variable display and a process of determining a reach type.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a normal symbol process process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a gate switch process.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a hit determination random number and a hit / miss.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a normal symbol determination process.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test signal arrangement of a first test signal terminal.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test signal arrangement of a second test signal terminal.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test signal arrangement of a third test signal terminal.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a test signal arrangement example of a fourth test signal terminal.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an LED process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an LED process.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing the relationship among a special symbol jackpot signal, a special electric auditors operating signal, a special electric auditors opening signal, and an actor continuous operating device operating signal output to a test signal terminal.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a portion related to a test signal output of the main board and the display control board.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an output circuit and a peripheral circuit of a main board.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test signal arrangement of a second test signal terminal.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test signal arrangement of a fourth test signal terminal.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an arrangement of test signals related to special symbol display control.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an arrangement of test signals related to special symbol display control.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the operation of the inspection CPU.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the operation of the inspection CPU.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing various implementation examples of a test signal output unit.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional output circuit of a main board.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 Variable display unit 10 Variable display 18 Starting winning storage display 31 Game control board (main board) 41 Passage storage display 53 Basic circuit 56 CPU 71 Test signal output circuit 72 to 75 Test signal terminal 80 Display control board 101 Display control CPU 571 output port 572-573 output circuit

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A variable display unit whose display state is changeable, wherein a change of identification information displayed on the variable display unit is started according to a condition of start of change, and a display result of the identification information is predetermined. A gaming machine capable of shifting to a specific game state in which a predetermined game value can be given to a player on condition that the specified display mode is set, and a game control means for controlling progress of the game; A plurality of light emitting means controlled in accordance with a game state by a control means, and a transmission line capable of individually outputting a light emission control signal from the game control means to each of the light emitting means, the light emitting means comprising: A gaming machine characterized in that a signal corresponding to a control signal can be output as a test signal required for a predetermined test relating to gaming performance of the gaming machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the test signal is branched and output from the transmission line. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising test signal output means capable of externally outputting a test signal. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the test signal output means includes signal acquisition facilitating means for facilitating signal acquisition by an external device. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the test signal output means includes a connector. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the test signal output means is mounted on a board on which the game control means is mounted. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein one of the plurality of light emitting means is an LED. 8. One of the plurality of light emitting means is a special symbol hold display light emitting means for displaying the storage number of the change start condition of the identification information displayed on the variable display section. 7. The gaming machine according to 7. 9. The gaming machine includes a variable display whose display state can be changed, and is advantageous to the player when the display state of the ordinary symbol variably displayed on the variable display becomes a predetermined display result. 9. A normal symbol holding display light emitting device for displaying the number of stored normal symbol change start conditions, wherein one of the plurality of light emitting devices is a normal symbol holding display light emitting device. Gaming machine. 10. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein one of the plurality of light emitting means is a variable display for variably displaying a normal symbol. 11. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein the variable display is a 7-segment LED. 12. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control signal is a signal for statically lighting the light emitting means. 13. The test signal according to claim 1, wherein the test signal includes a winning signal indicating a winning of the game ball to the plurality of winning regions, and each of the plurality of winning regions can be specified by the winning signal. Gaming machine. 14. A first state that is advantageous to the player;
A variable prize ball device that can be changed to a second state that is different from the first state and is not advantageous to the player, and a test signal is output when the variable prize ball device is in the first state. 14. The variable prize ball device operation information capable of specifying whether the player is in the second state or in the second state.
The gaming machine described.